Customs Foils N8.6bn Tramadol Smuggling Attempt at Abuja Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has intercepted a large consignment of tramadol valued at over N8.6 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Unveiling the seizure, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi condemned the actions of individuals who continue to traffic illicit substances into the country under the guise of trade.
He said: “It is deeply troubling that some unpatriotic elements are determined to flood our communities with dangerous drugs simply for profit, even if it costs lives.
“These types of drugs often end up in the hands of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram fighters, and other criminal elements threatening the peace of our nation,” he added.
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Adebisi disclosed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted tramadol stood at N8,654,800,000, emphasising that the NCS, under his leadership, will continue to clamp down on smugglers operating within and beyond the FCT.
He commended the unwavering backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, under whose administration the FCT Command has received critical institutional support and operational leverage to intensify its enforcement efforts.
“In line with the strong institutional synergy championed by the Comptroller-General, we have secured approval to transfer the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).”
The illicit cargo was officially handed over to the NDLEA Commandant of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, CN Muhammad Jidda, in the presence of representatives from other sister security agencies.
Receiving the items, Commandant Muhammad Jidda commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and sustained collaboration with drug control agencies.
Jidda assured that the NDLEA will proceed with a thorough investigation to trace the consignment’s origin and intended destination while reaffirming the agency’s readiness to prosecute culprits in accordance with the law.
